DESPITE sharing critical intelligence, Saudi Arabia and the UAE refused to open their airspace during Iran’s extensive attack on Israel.
A report from the Washington Street Journal claimed Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries shared private intelligence with Washington that helped Israel prepare and counter the massive attack from Iran.
The critical information shared involved radar tracking information as well as a brief outline and timing of their plans so that they could safeguard airspace.
The United Kingdom, France, Jordan, and Egypt also played a role in preventing the extensive attack through information sharing and allowing the use of their airspace.
However, Saudi Arabia and the UAE refused to open their airspace due to the absence of a more concrete security arrangement with Washington. Both countries initially hesitated to help the U.S. to avoid getting dragged into the conflict and out of fear of retaliation from Iran.
However, talks and pressure with American officials persuaded them to do so, wherein Washington proposed to help them in return when trouble arose.
To recall, Washington reaffirmed its “ironclad” commitment towards Israel, but at the last minute, U.S. President Joe Biden called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to tell him Americans would not support the Israeli military’s plan to launch a revenge attack towards the Islamic Republic to avoid a regional war and confrontation with Iran. Biden made the call on the same day that Iran’s missiles and drones were raining through the skies of Israel.
World leaders urged Israel not to retaliate on Iran after the Israeli military chief indicated a revenge attack is likely. Israel’s war cabinet met for the third time on Tuesday.
